Tire Inflation Device Using Vacuum for Universal Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tire inflation methods are limited in their ability to automate the process effectively, particularly for various types and sizes of tires, as they require a filling bell with a specific diameter range and can be cumbersome in achieving immediate nominal pressure without additional effort.
Innovation Solution
A tire inflation device utilizing a vacuum system to create a pressure gradient, allowing for the application of tire sidewalls to the rim without physical contact, enabling a universally usable solution for different tire sizes and allowing for immediate filling to nominal pressure using a filling hose.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a filling bell with a specific diameter range is used, then the tire inflation process can be automated, but the device is limited to a limited size range of motor vehicle wheels and cannot accommodate various types and sizes of tires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a bell component that can perform multiple functions: it serves as both a sealing element and a mounting aid for different tire sizes. The bell is designed with a universal structure that can adapt to various tire diameters through interchangeable filling rings, allowing one bell design to serve multiple tire size categories without requiring completely different bell designs for each size range.
Solution Approach 2:
The filling bell system is divided into separable components: a main bell structure and interchangeable filling rings. This segmentation allows the filling rings to be changed depending on the tire size being serviced, while the main bell remains constant. This modular approach enables the system to handle various tire sizes without replacing the entire bell assembly.
2Ease of operation
If a filling bell with a large opening diameter is used to avoid hitting the rim, then the bell can be slipped over the rim easily, but the bell contacts the upper tire sidewall radially outside of its high point and impedes the radial movement of the tire
Solution Approach 1:
The filling bell is designed with varying diameters along its length, creating local quality differences. The upper portion has a larger diameter to facilitate easy placement over the rim, while the lower portion tapers to a smaller diameter that fits within the tire's high point without interfering with tire bead seating. This graduated diameter design allows each section of the bell to perform its specific function optimally.
3Reliability
If manual tire inflation with compressed air blast is used, then the tire can be brought into close contact with the wheel rim, but the process is not fully automated and requires additional hammering or twisting operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses vacuum pressure to create self-centering and self-aligning forces that automatically press the tire bead against the rim without requiring manual hammering or twisting. The vacuum force applied through the filling bell creates a pressure differential that pulls the tire into proper contact with the rim, enabling the system to perform the seating function automatically without additional manual operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a vacuum system is used to apply tire sidewalls to the rim without physical contact, then the solution becomes universally usable for different tire sizes, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a vacuum system that uses pneumatic pressure differentials to achieve tire mounting. A vacuum source creates negative pressure within the filling bell, which generates forces that press the tire bead against the rim and hold it in position. This pneumatic approach replaces complex mechanical centering and pressing mechanisms with a simpler vacuum-based system that can adapt to various tire sizes through pressure control rather than mechanical adjustment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The vacuum-based system ensures reliable tire inflation across various tire types and sizes, eliminating the need for precise centering and enabling immediate achievement of nominal pressure during the assembly process, enhancing automation and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
uses a vacuum to give at least an impulse to the tire wall(s) to be applied to the rim
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a vacuum system to create a pressure gradient, allowing for the application of tire sidewalls to the rim without physical contact
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a tire filling device, to a tire filling method, to the use of negative pressure when installing tires, and to the use of a filling tube in an automated tire installation process. In a generic tire filling device, an area is formed at least outside of the tire using a seal, wherein according to the invention a vacuum can be produced in the area at least to a large extent, and the area can be ventilated suddenly at least to a large extent. In a method according to the invention, at least the area outside of the tire is ventilated by means of a tire filling device at least to a large extent. A method according to the invention is preferably carried out in a fully automated manner using an intermediate buffer which operates in a clocked manner. In an automated tire installation process, negative pressure is used in a manner according to the invention. By virtue of a special use of a filling tube, a tire is immediately filled to a nominal pressure without additional expenditure not only when installing a tire using negative pressure in a manner according to the invention but also when using positive pressure.